PCG talks to Scottish MSPs about independence
Contractors in Scotland may have started to wonder what their future will be after the Scottish Referendum on Independence takes place.
news
The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
Are conmen giving contractors a bad name?
Umbrella company contractors might find themselves under more scrutiny after it was revealed that some recruiters have been targeted by conmen.
Security software market continues to grow
Every cloud has a silver lining so they say, and for IT contractors that cloud could come in the form of data security issues and the software necessary to solve them.
Will it be bonanza time for umbrella companies next week?
Contractors working through limited companies might be tempted to switch to umbrella companies once the full extent of the Revenue’s IR35 assessment criteria becomes known next week.
How much are umbrella company contractors saving for their retirement?
It’s not only small business owners who are going to have to keep on working past normal retirement age, according to the Pensions Policy Institute.
Will PAYE IT contractors find opportunities with Apple?
PAYE umbrella contractors may be tempted to relocate to Ireland after Apple announced it intends to expand its European HQ in Cork.
Have IT contractors noticed a skills shortage?
Outsourcing IT functions abroad is contributing to a skills shortage at home, according to a recent survey by Computer Weekly.
IT contractors may want to check their credit rating
IT contractors better make sure their finances are in good order following the news that an increasing number of companies are looking into the financial past of freelance workers before offering them a contract.
HMRC prosecutes tax evading IT contractor
IT contractors should be aware that HMRC will track down anybody it believes could be guilty of tax evasion as a Scottish consultant found to his cost recently.
Korea delivers blow to UK’s renewable energy plans
We’ve heard a lot recently about new opportunities for contractors in the renewable energy sector. However, there was a bit if bad news last week as a Korean company decided to suspend its plans to invest in the UK’s wind industry.
Women turn to contracting as redundancies kick in
4.132m people in the UK are now self-employed according to the latest employment statistics from the ONS. That’s an increase of 136,000 since February 2011.
Employment is up but small businesses still need more support
The latest employment statistics, released by the ONS last week, showed a 0.1% decrease in the unemployment rate.
Do umbrella company contractors know the changes to Child Tax Credits?
Contractors with young families may be aware that HMRC has overhauled the tax credit scheme.
Shale gas and North Sea wind spell opportunities for contractors
Despite the fact that it’s freezing and extremely windy, the North Sea should be looking particularly appealing to umbrella company contractors with skills in offshore wind technology.
Do you regularly stay at work for longer than necessary?
Officebroker, the office rental service, has discovered that British office workers are trying to impress their manager by staying at work longer than necessary
Are IT contractors heading for the Scottish clouds?
Umbrella company contractors may want to head for the clouds of Scotland after enStratus announced it plans to set up operations in Edinburgh.